Hundreds of excited festive lovers flocked to a now-closed train station to watch singers perform some favourite Christmas tunes.

Families and friends attended Folkestone Harbour station this afternoon to watch singers from Churches Together entertain.

Dozens of people can be seen singing and dancing along to songs such as O Holy Night and Hark the Herald Angels Sing on the railway line next to the seaside.

It was part of the church group’s Carols in the Community show.

One of those entertained by the jamboree was Steve Baughan, who said it was an incredible experience.

“It was a massive sense of community this afternoon, with lots of families out and everyone being respectful and singing along to the carols,” he said.

“Personally I found it quite moving that, as a Folkestone resident, we can all come together – the pride in people living here was evident.”

Meanwhile another person commented: “How great to see so many people.”

A third person added: “Another example of the good things about Folkestone.”

Opened in 1849, Folkestone Harbour station was an important gateway for those travelling across the English Channel.

However the unveiling of the Channel Tunnel in 1994 meant the station was left behind in being able to serve passengers at the same rate.

It led to the station carrying out its final service in 2009, before it closed altogether in 2014.

It is now part of a hub known as the Folkestone Harbour Arm directly next to the beach, with multiple businesses offering food, drink and entertainment throughout the year.

The station’s transformation led to it winning a national prize earlier this month.

It was honoured with the best overall entry at the 2023 National Railway Heritage Awards following its refurbishment – which began back in 2018.